An hour before sunset, upon the day following his departure from
Damascus, the caravan of Naaman reached the banks of the Jordan. The
Jordan was very different from the beautiful Syrian rivers, Abaha and
Pharpar. Its waters, muddy and discolored, flowed sluggishly between
unshaded banks covered with coarse grass and rank weeds.
Naaman descended from his chariot and advanced to the banks of the
river. He stood, for some moments, frowningly regarding the discolored
water as it crept to his feet, then he threw aside his purple robe,
disclosing upon his broad chest awful, loathsome sores. He stepped into
the water.
In a few minutes he stood again upon the bank. His great muscular arms
were crossed upon his breast, a gray pallor lay upon his face.
"I have done the bidding of Elisha," he cried, "I have bathed seven
times in the Jordan, but my brain doth whirl, my eyes are dim and
blurred. Masrekah, faithful servant, 'tis for thee to speak--am I whole
or am I still a leper?" and he threw his arms wide apart.
In silent wonder and awe the servants of Naaman gazed upon their
master. The loathsome, leprous spots had entirely disappeared, his
flesh "was like unto the flesh of a little child."
But Naaman knew not that he was healed. His eyes, dim and dazed, were
fixed upon the old servant. One downward glance would have told him
all, but Naaman, soldier and mighty man of valor, now knew a coward's
fear.
Masrekah came forward, and falling at his master's feet, covered his
hands with kisses and tears of joy.
"Master! dearest master!" he cried, "thou art healed! thou art clean!
thou art no more a leper."
A great tremor shook Naaman's massive limbs. He grew weak as a little
child, his lips quivered and tears filled his eyes. His servants broke
into shouts of joy and exultation. They threw themselves on their knees
before Naaman, kissing his hands and feet.
"Arise, my good and faithful servants," said Naaman. "Turn we our faces
again towards Samaria. I go to seek the prophet, Elisha."
Masrekah laid his hand upon Naaman's arm.
"My lord," he said, "thou hast forgotten to render thanks to Rimmon,
god of Syria, for the great good that hath been done unto thee.
Masrekah thus presumeth to remind his lord lest the god, being
angered, should send some calamity upon Naaman."
Naaman smiled.
"Naaman shall not render thanks to Rimmon, god of Syria," he said. "Nor
doth Naaman fear the anger of Syria's god. Nay, be not troubled, my
good Masrekah, all will be well with Naaman."
Naaman then arrayed himself in his purple robe and passed on to his
chariot. For a moment he stood gazing upon the waters of the Jordan
to which the crimson glow from the setting sun lent fleeting beauty.
His eyes were filled with a great joy, an immeasurable peace. Then he
stepped into his chariot and motioned for the caravan to proceed.
It was the same hour, upon the next day, that the caravan of Naaman
again stood before the humble dwelling of Elisha. Naaman, calling one
of his servants to him, said:
"Go thou into the house of Elisha and say to him, 'Naaman of Syria,
having done thy bidding, bathed seven times in the Jordan, has come
forth whole. He most earnestly desireth speech with thee, that he may
tell to thee how his heart has changed, also give unto thee the ten
talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold and ten changes of
raiment which he brought with him from Damascus.'"
The servant passed into the house of the prophet. In a short time he
returned, saying:
"Elisha will come forth, my lord, and speak with thee."
Naaman alighted from the chariot and awaited the coming of the prophet.
After a little while a man stepped through the low doorway of the
humble dwelling and approached Naaman.
Tall and spare in figure, he wore a dark, coarse, robe, over which
flowed a long, gray beard. His face was pale and worn, his eyes gentle
and calm.
Naaman sank upon his knees at the feet of the prophet.
"Arise, Naaman of Syria," said Elisha, in a voice of wonderful
sweetness.
Naaman pressed the coarse robe of the prophet to his lips ere he rose
to his feet. Then, calling to his servants, he said:
"Bring hither the treasure which Naaman brought with him from Damascus
to reward Elisha."
"Nay, Naaman of Syria must take back with him to Damascus the treasure
he did bring," said Elisha. "Elisha desireth not riches nor the praise
of men. 'Twas not for these things that he didst heal Naaman of his
leprosy."
Naaman, seeing that it would be quite useless to endeavor to force
reward upon the prophet, signed to his servants to leave undisturbed
the treasure. Then, again kneeling at Elisha's feet, he cried, aloud:
"Elisha, through thee it has been revealed to me that there is no god
in all the earth but only in Israel. Henceforth, Naaman will offer
sacrifice only to the true God of Israel."
"Peace be with thee, Naaman of Syria," said the prophet, with his
sweet, gentle smile. "'Tis indeed well with thee. A greater good has
come to thee than the healing of thy body from the foulness of leprosy.
Go thou in peace."
[Illustration]